Embedded text input

ABSTRACT

An input device includes a plurality of character input keys and is operable in a single alphabetic character input mode and a multiple alphabetic character input mode. In the single alphabetic character input mode, an individual character input key is assigned a single alphabetic character, and activating the individual character input key inputs the alphabetic character. In the multiple alphabetic character input mode an individual character input key is assigned multiple alphabetic characters, and the specific character that is input as a result of activating the individual character input key depends upon the number of times the individual character input key is activated.

CROSS-REFERENCE To RELATED APPLICATION

This U.S. Patent Application is a continuation application of and claimspriority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/435,256, which was filedin the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on May 9, 2003 and entitledEmbedded Text Input, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a character input device forcomputer-related systems. The invention concerns, more particularly, acharacter input device that is usable in a single alphabetic characterinput mode and a multiple alphabetic character input mode. In the singlealphabetic character input mode, a plurality of character input keys areeach associated with a single alphabetic character. In the multiplealphabetic character input mode, a portion of the character input keysare disabled, and the remaining portion of the character input keys areeach associated with multiple alphabetic characters that are input withone or more activations of the various character input keys. Theinvention has application to various peripheral input devices forcomputers and gaming systems.

2. Description of Background Art

Game controllers are frequently used with gaming and computer systems,for example.

Controllers are normally designed to be hand-held, and commonly includea wide variety of user interaction mechanisms such as thumbsticks,D-pads, and various depressible buttons. Due to progressions in videogame systems and data transfer capability, some games permit the inputof text and other characters. Such text input is commonly performed on atypical, full size keyboard due to the quantity and number of keys usedfor inputting text.

Attempts have been made to integrate push buttons corresponding toalphabetic keys onto a hand-held game controller. However, such attemptshave been less than satisfactory, as the size, number, and/orconfiguration of the keys and/or the methods of using the keys have notprovided a solution that permits for efficient entry of a large numberof letters and other characters without drawbacks.

Additionally, other types of reduced-sized devices have provided a largeset of reduced sized key buttons permitting entry of letters and othercharacters. Such devices have been used for wireless transmission andretrieval or emails. These devices commonly include an LCD displayregion. However, these devices suffer from many of the drawbacks presentin the reduced-size keyboard regions of the controllers described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a character input device having a plurality ofcharacter input keys and at least one mode-altering key for switchingbetween a single alphabetic character input mode and a multiplealphabetic character input mode. Each character input key inputs asingle alphabetic character in the single alphabetic character inputmode. In the multiple alphabetic character input mode however, a firstportion of the character input keys are disabled, and a second portionof the character input keys are each utilized to input multiplealphabetic characters.

In another aspect of the invention, the character input device includesa housing and 26 character input keys. The housing that forms at least aportion of an outer surface of the character input device. The characterinput keys are accessible from an exterior of the housing, and thecharacter input keys are first labeled with a respective letter of thealphabet. A subset of the 26 character input keys are further labeledwith multiple letters for guidance in an operation of the subset of the26 character input keys in an alternative key entry mode.

Another aspect of the invention involves a method of character input fora computing device. The method includes the steps of once activating acharacter input key to input a first alphabetic character, and twiceactivating the character input key to input two of the first alphabeticcharacter. A mode of the input device is then modified such that onceactivating the character input key inputs a second alphabetic character,and twice activating the character input key inputs a third alphabeticcharacter.

Yet another aspect of the invention is a method of character input for acomputing device having a plurality of character keys. The methodincludes utilizing the character keys under one of a single alphabeticcharacter input mode and a multiple alphabetic character input mode, andthen changing the mode. The method also includes utilizing the characterkeys under the other one of the single alphabetic character input modeand the multiple alphabetic character input mode.

The advantages and features of novelty characterizing the presentinvention are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. Togain an improved understanding of the advantages and features ofnovelty, however, reference may be made to the following descriptivematter and accompanying drawings that describe and illustrate variousembodiments and concepts related to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing Summary of the Invention, as well as the followingDetailed Description of the Invention, will be better understood whenread in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary gaming system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the gaming system.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a network that incorporates the gamingsystem.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an input device having a game controllerportion and a first character input portion with a first characterconfiguration.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the input device.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the first character input portion.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a process of inputting characters.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a second character input portion with asecond character configuration.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of yet a third character input portion with athird character configuration.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a fourth character input portion with afourth character configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Introduction

The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose a characterinput device in accordance with the present invention. The characterinput device is usable in a single alphabetic character input mode and amultiple alphabetic character input mode.

As used herein, the phrase “single alphabetic character input mode” isdefined as a system wherein character input keys are associated with asingle letter of the alphabet. That is, the character input keys are notdedicated to more than one letter of the alphabet. Also as used herein,the phrase “multiple alphabetic character input mode” is defined as asystem wherein character input keys are associated with two or moreletters of the alphabet. In the multiple alphabetic character inputmode, the letter that is input into the system can be dependent upon theprocess of any desirable limited key text entry system, such as (a)multiple actuations of a single character key, (b) a single activationof a single character key and a disambiguating system.

Accordingly, in the single character input mode, a user will activate afirst character input key to input the character “a”, the user willactivate a second character input key to input the character “b”, andthe user will activate a third character input key to input thecharacter “c”, for example.

In the multiple alphabetic character input mode, however, a portion ofthe character input keys are disabled, and a subset of keys, such as 9to 12, remain active after this mode switch. This subset of characterinput keys are each associated with multiple alphabetic characters. Anyknown system for entry may be used in this mode and many systems existfor text entry on mobile telephones. This subset may be operable basedon a system that associated a predetermined number of key inputs of witha specific letter. For example, a particular character key may beassociated with predetermined letters “a”, “b” and “c”. The user mayonce activate a character input key to input the character “a”, twiceconsecutively activate the character input key to input the character“b”, or thrice consecutively activate the character input key to inputthe character “c”, for example. The letters associated with thecharacter keys need not be alphabetical like (as exist in many telephonedevices) and may be in alternative grouping such as is shown in U.S.Pat. No. 5,818,437.

In lieu the subset being operable based on a system that associated apredetermined number of key inputs of with a specific letter, the systemmay provide for a single input of a character based on the activation ofthe key associated with multiple letters (i.e., an ambiguous entrysystem). The controller is preferably provided with a disambiguatingprocess and the user may select a specific word in the event that thepressing specific keys result in multiple possible words. Such systemsand processes are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,818,437, 5,945,928,5,953,541, 6,011,554, 6,286,064, 6,307,548, and 6,307,549, and arehereby incorporated by reference.

The character input device and, more specifically, the operation of thecharacter input device are disclosed with reference to a gaming system.The present invention, however, has application to a wide variety ofproducts where character input is utilized, including personal computersystems and hand-held electronic devices, such as personal dataassistants, for example. Accordingly, one skilled in the relevant artwill recognize that the present invention may be applied to a variety ofproducts, in addition to the specific applications related to gamingsystems disclosed herein.

Exemplary Gaming System

Various aspects of the present invention may be implemented inconnection with gaming systems, as discussed above. Accordingly, anenhanced understanding of the invention may be gained by brieflydiscussing the components and operation of an exemplary gaming system100, as depicted in FIG. 1, on which various embodiments of theinvention may be employed. The gaming system 100 includes a game console102 and up to four controllers, as represented by controllers 104 a and104 b. The game console 102 is equipped with an internal hard disk driveand a portable media drive 106 that supports various forms of portablestorage media 108, as represented by an optical storage disc. Examplesof suitable portable storage media 108 include DVD, CD-ROM, game discs,and so forth.

The game console 102 has four slots 110 on its front face to support upto four controllers 104 a and 104 b, although the number and arrangementof slots may be modified. A power button 112 and an eject button 114 arealso positioned on the front face of the game console 102. The powerbutton 112 switches power to the game console, and the eject button 114alternately opens and closes a tray of the portable media drive 106 toallow insertion and extraction of the portable storage media 108.

The game console 102 connects to a television or other display via ANinterfacing cables 120. A power cable 122 provides power to the gameconsole. The game console 102 may further be configured with broadbandcapabilities, as represented by the cable or modem connector 124 tofacilitate access to a network, such as the Internet.

Each controller 104 a and 104 b is coupled to the game console 102 via awired or wireless interface. In the illustrated implementation, thecontrollers are USB (Universal Serial Bus) compatible and are connectedto the console 102 via serial cables 130. The controllers 104 a and 104b may be equipped with any of a wide variety of user interactionmechanisms. As illustrated in FIG. 1, controller 104a is equipped withtwo thumbsticks 132, a D-pad 134, and a variety of buttons 136.Controller 104 b includes one thumbstick 132, button 136, and a trigger138. These mechanisms are merely representative, and other knowninteraction mechanisms may be substituted for or added to those shown inFIG. 1.

A memory unit 140 may be inserted into either of the controllers 104 aor 104 b or into the game console 102 to provide additional and portablestorage. A portable memory unit 104 enables users to store gameparameters and port them for play on other consoles that are similar toconsole 102. For example, a user may save -a game to memory unit 140using the game console 102 then use that saved game data with a gameexecuted on a different game console. In the described implementation,each controller is configured to accommodate two memory units 140,although more or less than two units may be employed in otherimplementations. A particular game console 102 may be configured toaccommodate any number of memory units 140.

The gaming system 100 is capable of playing, for example, games, music,and videos.

With the different storage offerings, titles can be played from the harddisk drive or the portable storage media 108 in portable media drive106, from an online source, or from a memory unit 140. Examples of mediathat the gaming system 100 is capable of operating include: (1) Gametitles played from CD and DVD discs, from the hard disk drive, or froman online source; (2) Digital music played from a CD in the portablemedia drive 106, from a file on the hard disk drive (e.g., WINDOWS MEDIAAudio (WMA) format), or from online streaming sources; and (3) Digitalaudio/video played from a DVD disc in the portable media drive 106, froma file on the hard disk drive (e.g., Active Streaming Format), or fromonline streaming sources.

FIG. 2 depicts functional components of the gaming system 100 in furtherdetail. The game console 102 has a CPU (central processing unit) 200 anda memory controller 202 that facilitates processor access to varioustypes of memory, including a flash ROM (Read Only Memory) 204, a RAM(Random Access Memory) 206, a hard disk drive 208, and the portablemedia drive 106. The CPU 200 is equipped with a level 1 cache 210 and alevel 2 cache 212 to temporarily store data and, therefore, reduce thenumber of memory access cycles to improve processing speed andthroughput.

The CPU 200, memory controller 202, and various memory devices areinterconnected via one or more buses, including serial and parallelbuses, a memory bus, a peripheral bus, and a processor or local bususing any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, sucharchitectures can include an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, aMicro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, an Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, aVideo Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and aPeripheral Component Interconnects (PCI) bus, also known as a Mezzaninebus.

As one suitable implementation, the CPU. 200, memory controller 202, ROM204, and RAM 206 are integrated onto a common module 214. In thisimplementation, ROM 204 is configured as a flash ROM that is connectedto the memory controller 202 via a PCI (Peripheral ComponentInterconnect) bus and a ROM bus (neither of which are shown).

RAM 206 is configured as multiple DDR SDRAM (Double Data RateSynchronous Dynamic RAM) that are independently controlled by the memorycontroller 202 via separate buses (not depicted). The hard disk drive208 and portable media drive 106 are connected to the memory controller202 via the PCI bus and an ATA (AT Attachment) bus 216.

A 3D graphics processing unit 220 and a video encoder 222 form a videoprocessing pipeline for high speed and high resolution graphicsprocessing. Data is carried from the graphics processing unit 220 to thevideo encoder 222 via a digital video bus (not depicted). An audioprocessing unit 224 and an audio codec (coder/decoder) 226 form acorresponding audio processing pipeline with high fidelity and stereoprocessing. Audio data is carried between the audio processing unit 224and the audio codec 226 via a communication link (not depicted). Thevideo and audio processing pipelines output data to an A/V (audio/video)port 228 for transmission to the television or other display. In theillustrated implementation, the video and audio processing components220-228 are mounted on the module 214.

Also implemented on the module 214 are a USB host controller 230 and anetwork interface 232. The USB host controller 230 is coupled to the CPU200 and the memory controller 202 via a bus (e.g., PCI bus) and servesas host for the controllers 104a and 104 b and additional controllers104 c and 104 d. The network interface 232 provides access to a network(e.g., the Internet, home network, etc.) and may be any of a widevariety of various wired or wireless interface components including anEthernet card, a modem, a Bluetooth module, a cable modem, and the like.

The game console 102 has two dual controller support subassemblies 240 aand 240 b, with each subassembly supporting two of the controllers 104a-104 d. A front panel I/O subassembly 242 supports the functionality ofthe power button 112 and the eject button 114, as well as any LEDs(light emitting diodes) or other indicators exposed on the outer surfaceof the game console. The subassemblies 240 a, 240 b, and 242 are coupledto the module 214 via one or more cable assemblies 244.

Eight memory units 140 are illustrated as being connectable to the fourcontrollers 104 a-104 d (i.e., two memory units for each controller).Each memory unit 140 offers additional storage on which games, gameparameters, and other data may be stored.

When inserted into a controller, the memory unit 140 can be accessed bythe memory controller 202. Additionally, one or more memory units 140may be inserted into game console 102 and accessed by the memorycontroller 202. A system power supply module 250 provides power to thecomponents of the gaming system 100. A fan 252 cools the circuitrywithin the game console 102.

The game console 102 implements a uniform media portal model thatprovides a consistent user interface and navigation hierarchy to moveusers through various entertainment areas. The portal model offers aconvenient way to access content from multiple different mediatypes—game data, audio data, and video data—regardless of the media typeinserted into the portable media drive 106. To implement the uniformmedia portal model, a console user interface (UI) application 260 isstored on the hard disk drive 208. When the game console is powered on,various portions of the console application 260 are loaded into RAM 206and/or caches 210 and 212 and executed on the CPU 200. The consoleapplication 260 presents a graphical user interface that provides aconsistent user experience when navigating to different media typesavailable on the game console. Thus, the hard disk drive 208 (and thedata stored thereon) is an important part of the initialization process.If the hard disk drive 208 is not functioning properly, the gamingsystem 100 may not boot successfully.

The gaming system 100 may be operated as a standalone system by simplyconnecting the system to a television or other display. In thisstandalone mode, the gaming system 100 allows one or more players toplay games, watch movies, or listen to music.

However, with the integration of broadband connectivity made availablethrough the network interface 232, the gaming system 100 may further beoperated as a participant in a larger network gaming community.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary network gaming environment 300 thatinterconnects multiple gaming systems 100 via a network 302. The network302 represents any of a wide variety of data communications networks. Itmay include public portions (e.g., the Internet) as well as privateportions (e.g., a residential Local Area Network (LAN)), as well ascombinations of public and private portions. Network 302 may beimplemented using any one or more of a wide variety of conventionalcommunications media including both wired and wireless media. Any of awide variety of communications protocols can be used to communicate datavia network 302, including both public and proprietary protocols.Examples of such protocols include TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, NetBEUI, etc.

In addition to gaming systems 100, one or more online services 304 maybe accessible via the network 302 to provide various services for theparticipants, such as hosting online games, serving downloadable musicor video files, hosting gaming competitions, serving streamingaudio/video files, and the like. The network gaming environment 300 mayfurther involve a key distribution center 306 that plays a role inauthenticating individual players and/or gaming systems 100 to oneanother as well as online services 304. The distribution center 306distributes keys and service tickets to valid participants that may thenbe used to form games amongst multiple players or to purchase servicesfrom the online services 304.

The network gaming environment 300 introduces another memory sourceavailable to individual gaming systems 100, online storage. In additionto the portable storage media 108, the hard disk drive 208, and thememory units 140, the gaming system 100 may also access data filesavailable at remote storage locations via the network 302, asexemplified by remote storage 308 at online service 304.

Input Device

An input device that is a combination of a game controller portion 400and a character input portion 500 is disclosed in FIGS. 4 and 5. Withinthe scope of the present invention, the term “input device” is definedas any implement that transmits a signal to a computing device, such asthe game console 102, in response to user interaction with the inputdevice. The game controller portion 400 includes a plurality ofinteraction mechanisms that are operated by a user to direct game play.Similarly, the character input portion 500 also includes a plurality ofinteraction mechanisms that are operated by the user to input variouscharacters. Accordingly, the game controller portion 400 and thecharacter input portion 500 each transmit signals to the game console102 based upon user interaction and may be considered an input deviceindividually or in combination.

The various features and operation of the game controller portion 400are well-known in the art and will not be discussed at length here. Ingeneral, however, the game controller portion 400 has the configurationand function of the controllers 104 a-104 d discussed above.Accordingly, the game controller portion 400 may be coupled to the gameconsole 102 via a wired or wireless interface. The game controllerportion 400 may also be USB compatible, thereby connecting to the gameconsole 102 via a serial cable. A housing 402 forms a majority of anexterior surface of the game controller portion 400 and is shaped tointerface with hands of a user. A variety of user interaction mechanismsprotrude from housing 402 and include two thumbsticks 404, a D-pad 406,and a variety of buttons 408. A pair of triggers may also be positionedunder a pair of grips 410, which are formed from the housing 402 andprovide an area for grasping the game controller portion 400 during use.The game controller portion 400 also includes a pair of slots (notdepicted) that may each receive one of memory units 140 to provideadditional and portable storage. The game controller portion 400 may beconfigured, however, to accommodate any number of memory units 140. Thestructure of the game controller portion 400 and the various interactionmechanisms described herein are merely representative, and otherstructures or interaction mechanisms may be substituted for or added tothose shown in the FIGS. 4 and 5.

The character input portion 500, depicted individually in FIG. 6, isdetachably-secured to the game controller portion 400 and may beutilized to enter various characters during game play. The charactersmay be utilized to provide identifiers for various players, or tofacilitate communication among the various players, for example. Theterm character, as utilized herein, is intended to encompass a symbol orother figure that may be entered by the individual with the characterinput portion 500. Examples of characters include alphabetic characters,whether from the Roman, Cyrillic, Arabic, Hebrew, or Greek alphabets,for example. Furthermore, a character may be a numeral, a punctuationmark, or one of the various symbols that are commonly utilized inwritten or printed text, such as $, #, %, &, or @, for example. Inaddition, a character may be one of the various symbols utilized inAsian languages, such as the Chinese, Japanese, and Korean languages.

The character input portion 500 interfaces mechanically and electricallywith the game controller portion 400. With regard to the mechanicalinterface, the character input portion 500 includes a housing 502 thatis shaped to abut the housing 402 between the grips 410. An arm (notdepicted) or other connection device that detachably-connects to boththe game controller portion 400 and the character input portion 500 mayextend under both components to secure the components together. Such amechanical interface permits the character input portion 500 to bedetached from the game controller portion 400 when not in use. Regardingthe electrical interface, the character input portion 500 may include aconnector that electrically-joins with one of the slots that receive thememory units 140 in the game controller portion 400. Within the scope ofthe present invention, the character input portion 500 may interfacemechanically and electrically with the game controller portion 400through a plurality of other mechanisms. For example, magneticconnectors or other mechanical connection devices may be utilized todetachably-secure the character input portion 500 to the game controllerportion 400.

Furthermore, a wireless connection may be utilized to form theelectrical interface between the character input portion 500 to the gamecontroller portion 400. As an alternate structure, the character inputportion 500 may also electrically interface directly with the gameconsole 102.

When the user holds the input device, which includes the game controllerportion 400 and the character input portion 500, in both hands, thepalms of the hands are in full contact with the grips 410 and the thumbsor other fingers may extend over the character input portion 500. Inthis position, the distance by which the palms are separated may beapproximately 7.5 inches or less, or may be between 5.63 and 6.38inches, for example.

The character input portion 500 extends between the grips 410.Accordingly, the character input portion 500 has a width dimension thatis less than the distance by which the palms are separated, and thewidth dimension is substantially less than the width of a conventionalkeyboard, for example.

A plurality of keys associated with the character input portion 500 areaccessible by the user while operating the character input portion 500.The keys may have a depressible structure, for example, that protrudesthrough an upper surface of the housing 502.

Alternately, the keys may be touch-sensitive. The various keys include aplurality of character input keys 504, a first mode-altering key 506, asecond mode-altering key 508, a third mode-altering key 510, a backspacekey 512, a space key 514, an enter key 516, a delete key 518, an escapekey 520, four arrow keys 522, and six modifiable keys 524.

For reference purposes, the character input portion 500 has a back edge526 distal from the user during normal use, and a front edge 528adjacent the user during normal use.

Accordingly, an object is said herein to be “behind” another object whenit is between that object and the back edge 526. An object is saidherein to be “in front of” another object when it is between that objectand the front edge 528. Further, the character input portion 500 alsohas a right edge 530 and a left edge 532. The direction “lateral”defines the general directions from the right edge 530 to the left edge532, and from the left edge 532 to the right edge 530.

The character input keys 504 are generally arranged in three rows 534,536, and 538 that extend in the lateral direction. The first row 534includes ten of the character input keys 504 and is positioned in frontof the back edge 526 and behind the second row 536. The second row 536includes nine of the character input keys 504 and is positioned in frontof the first row 534 and behind the third row 538. Similarly, the thirdrow 538 includes nine of the character input keys 504 and is positionedin front of the second row 536 and behind the backspace key 512, thespace key 514, and the enter key 516. In addition, one character inputkey 504 is positioned adjacent and behind the front edge 528. Based uponthe above discussion and the figures, the character input portion 500includes twenty-nine character input keys 504.

Many of the character input keys 504 are associated with alphabeticcharacters and have a corresponding primary character identifier 540located thereon. The two character input keys 504 positioned on a rightside of the third row 538, however, are not associated with alphabeticcharacters and include primary character identifiers 540 related tovarious punctuation marks. Similarly, the character input key 504positioned adjacent and behind the front edge 528 includes primarycharacter identifiers 540 corresponding with a smiling face and afrowning face.

As depicted in FIGS. 4-6, the various primary character identifiers 540are located on the character input keys 504. The primary characteridentifiers 540 provide identification regarding the various charactersthat may be input with each character input key 504. For example, thecharacter input key 504 positioned in the first row 534 and adjacent theleft edge 532 has one primary character identifier 540 located thereonhaving the form of the alphabetic character “Q”. A user will intuitivelyunderstand, therefore, that this specific character input key 504 may beutilized to enter the lowercase alphabetic character “q” and theuppercase alphabetic character “Q”. In addition, the character input key504 positioned in the second row 536 and adjacent the left edge 532 hasone primary character identifier 540 located thereon having the form ofthe alphabetic character “A”. The user will intuitively understand,therefore, that this specific character input key 504 may be utilized toenter the lowercase alphabetic character “a” and the uppercasealphabetic character “A”. As a further example, the character input key504 positioned in the third row 538 and adjacent the secondmode-altering key 508 has two primary character identifiers 540 locatedthereon having the form of the punctuation marks and “?”, which may beinput by the user by activating this character input key 504.

The following discussion will reference specific character input keys504 based upon the primary character identifier 540 located thereon. Forexample, the character input key 504 positioned in the first row 534 andadjacent the left edge 532, which has the primary character identifier540 with the form of the alphabetic character “Q” located thereon, willbe referred to in the following discussion as the Q key 504. Similarly,the character input key 504 positioned in the second row 53 and adjacentthe left edge 532, which has the primary character identifier 540 withthe form of the alphabetic character “A” located thereon, will bereferred to in the following discussion as the A key 504.

A portion of the character input keys 504 also have secondary characteridentifiers 542 adjacently-located on the housing 502. Referring to FIG.6, an area 544 is outlined for purposes of reference. Each of thecharacter input keys 504 within the area 544 is associated with one ofthe secondary character identifiers 542. For example, adjacent to the Ykey 504 are the secondary character identifiers 542 with the form of thealphabetic characters “ABC”. Similarly, adjacent to the M key 504 arethe secondary character identifiers 542 with the form of the alphabeticcharacters “WXYZ”. Whereas many of the character input keys 504 withinthe area 544 have secondary character identifiers 542 with an alphabeticform, the T key 504 includes one secondary character identifier 542 withthe form of a “▴”. As will be described in greater detail below, the Tkey 504 may be utilized for shifting between uppercase and lowercasecharacters.

The mode-altering keys 506, 508, and 510 may be utilized in combinationwith the character input keys 504 such that each of the character inputkeys 504 have the capacity to input multiple characters. In general,however, many of the character input keys positioned outside of the area544 only have the ability to input a single alphabetic character,although both the uppercase and lowercase forms of the alphabeticcharacter may be input. The first mode-altering key 506 is positioned inthe second row 536 and adjacent to the right edge 530, and the indicia“shift” is located on a top surface of the first mode-altering key 506.The first mode-altering key may be utilized to switch between enteringlowercase characters and uppercase characters. In the absence ofactivating the first mode-altering key 506, many of the character inputkeys 504 will input a lowercase alphabetic character. For example, the Qkey 504 will input the lowercase alphabetic character “q” when the firstmode-altering key 506 is not activated. When the first mode-altering key506 is activated and then the Q key 504 is activated, however, theuppercase alphabetic character “Q” will be input. Accordingly, the firstmode-altering key 506 may be utilized to input uppercase alphabeticcharacters.

Once activating the first mode-altering key 506 and then activating oneof the character input keys 504 will input an uppercase alphabeticcharacter. Subsequent activations of the character input keys 504,without an associated activation of the first mode-altering key 506,will input lowercase alphabetic characters. If the user intends to inputa series of uppercase alphabetic characters, the user may twice activatethe first mode-altering key 506. Subsequent activations of the characterinput keys 504 will input uppercase alphabetic characters until the useragain activates the first mode-altering key 506. Accordingly, the usermay lock the character input portion 500 into an uppercase mode by twiceactivating the first mode-altering key 506. Also, the user may unlockthe character input portion 500 from the uppercase mode by againactivating the first mode-altering key 506.

In the absence of activating the second mode-altering key 508, the twocharacter input keys 504 positioned on a right side of the third row 538may be utilized to input the characters “,” and “.” When the secondmode-altering key 506 is activated and then one of the two characterinput keys 504 positioned on a right side of the third row 538 are alsoactivated, the punctuation mark characters “!” and “?” may be input.Accordingly, the second mode-altering key 508 may be utilized to inputthe different punctuation marks identified as the primary characteridentifiers 540.

Based upon the above discussion, the character input keys 504 havingalphabetic characters as primary character identifiers 540 may beutilized in a primary input mode (also referred to as a singlealphabetic character input mode) to input the various charactersidentified by the primary character identifiers 540. The primary inputmode is somewhat similar to the manner in which a conventional keyboardfor a computing device is utilized. That is, lowercase alphabeticcharacters are entered as a default, and the user may utilize a “shiftkey” (e.g., the first mode-altering key 506) to input uppercasealphabetic characters. In addition to the primary input mode, the usermay also utilize the character input portion 500 to input charactersthrough a secondary input mode (also referred to as a multiplealphabetic character input mode). To enter the secondary input mode, theuser will activate the third mode-altering key 510, which deactivatesthe character input keys 504 that are positioned outside of the area544. By activating the various character input keys within the area 544,the user may input the various characters identified by the secondarycharacter identifiers 542. When in the secondary input mode, forexample, the user may activate the Y key 504 to input the character “a”.Similarly, the user may twice activate the Y key 504 to input thecharacter “b”, or thrice activate the Y key 504 to input the character“c”. Accordingly, the third mode-altering key 510 may be utilized toinput characters associated with the secondary character identifiers542. Further discussion regarding the secondary input mode will beprovided below.

The various keys 512-522 may be utilized in a manner that is consistentwith a conventional keyboard. Accordingly, the backspace key 512 may beutilized to erase a character that is behind a cursor, the space key 514may be utilized to form a space between two characters, the enter key516 may be utilized to affirmatively enter various characters, and thedelete key 518 may be utilized to delete a character that is in front ofthe cursor, for example. The escape key 520 may be utilized for exitingvarious graphical user interfaces, and the various arrow keys 522 may beutilized to move the cursor in a direction that is consistent withindicia having the shape of an arrow and located thereon. Accordingly,the keys 512-522 may have a use that is similar to corresponding keys ona keyboard or other input device. Within the scope of the presentinvention, however, alternate uses may be associated with the variouskeys 512-522.

The character input portion 500 also includes six modifiable keys 524that each bear one of the following indicia: M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, and M6.The functions associated with each of the modifiable keys 524 may bemodified by the user. For example, the user may set each of themodifiable keys 524 such that a series of characters are input whenactivated. The modifiable keys 524 may also have functions that varydepending upon the specific software application that is being utilizedin connection with the character input portion 500.

Based upon the above discussion, the character input portion 500 has astructure that mechanically and electrically interfaces with the gamecontroller portion 400 and may, therefore, be detachably-secured to thegame controller portion 400. The character input portion 500 includes aplurality of character input keys 504 that are associated with aplurality of characters. By activating the character input keys 504,signals indicative of various characters may be transmitted to the gameconsole 102, thereby inputting characters. By also activating one of themode-altering keys 506, 508, and 510, signals indicative of variousother characters may be transmitted to the game console 102.

Procedures For Utilizing The Input Modes

The primary input mode generally associates a single alphabeticcharacter with a single character input key 504. For example, the Q key504 may be utilized to enter the lowercase alphabetic character “q” andthe uppercase alphabetic character “Q”. Given that the alphabet utilizedfor the English language includes twenty-six alphabetic characters, atleast twenty-six character input keys 504 are required for the primaryinput mode. Additional character input keys 504 may also be utilized forinputting punctuation marks, numbers, or other characters. Whereas atleast twenty-six character input keys 504 are utilized in the primaryinput mode, a lesser number of character input keys 504 are operationalin the secondary input mode. For example, the configuration of thecharacter input portion 500 in FIGS. 4-6 utilizes nine character inputkeys 504 in the secondary input mode. In general, the number ofcharacter input keys 504 utilized in the secondary input mode may rangefrom nine to twelve, but may be a lesser or greater number dependingupon the specific application.

In utilizing the primary input mode, the specific character input key504 bearing the primary character identifier 540 that corresponds withthe character the user intends to input is located. The user thendetermines whether the inputted character should be lowercase oruppercase. If the character should be lowercase, the user merelyactivates the character input key 504 to input the character. If thecharacter should be uppercase, however, the user activates the firstmode-altering key 506 and then activates the character input key 504 toinput the character.

As discussed above, once activating the first mode-altering key 506 andthen activating one of the character input keys 504 will input anuppercase alphabetic character.

Subsequent activations of the character input keys 504, without anassociated activation of the first mode-altering key 506, will inputlowercase alphabetic characters. If the user intends to input a seriesof uppercase alphabetic characters, the user may twice activate thefirst mode-altering key 506. Subsequent activations of the characterinput keys 504 will input uppercase alphabetic characters until the useragain activates the first mode-altering key 506. Accordingly, the usermay lock the character input portion 500 into an uppercase mode by twiceactivating the first mode-altering key 506. Also, the user may unlockthe character input portion 500 from the uppercase mode by againactivating the first mode-altering key 506.

The character input keys 504 are arranged in the manner of the variouskeys on a conventional QWERTY-type keyboard. A user that is familiarwith the relative positions of the various keys on the conventionalQWERTY-type keyboard will, therefore, be relatively proficient atinputting characters in the primary input mode. When operating thecharacter input portion 500, the hands of the user generally extendaround the grips 410 and the thumbs extend over the character inputportion 500 to activate the various character input keys 504. Incontrast with the operation of the conventional QWERTY-type keyboard,therefore, the user will activate the various character input keys 504with the thumbs rather than the multiple fingers.

The process for utilizing the secondary input mode is similar to theprocess of entering characters with a cellular telephone or other devicethat has limited space and a limited number of character entry keys.With regard to the cellular telephone, for example, many individual havebecome proficient at entering characters with one or both thumbs. Forthis reason, some individuals may prefer to utilize the character inputportion 500 in the secondary input mode. In contrast with the primaryinput mode, the secondary input mode generally associates multiplealphabetic characters with a single character input key 504. Forexample, the Y key 504 may be utilized to enter the lowercase alphabeticcharacters “abc” and the uppercase alphabetic character “ABC”.Accordingly, a significantly reduced number of character input keys 504are utilized in the secondary input mode.

The primary input mode is generally the default input mode for thecharacter input portion 500. Accordingly, when a user initially securesthe character input portion 500 to the game controller portion 400,thereby operatively connecting the character input portion 500 to thegame console 102, the character input portion 500 is set to the primaryinput mode. If the user intends to utilize the character input portion500 in the primary input mode, then the user may activate the variouscharacter input keys 504 to input the characters represented by theprimary character identifiers 540, as discussed above. If the userintends to utilize the character input portion 500 in the secondaryinput mode, however, then a mode change input is provided, which mayinclude activating the third mode-altering key 510, for example. Asutilized herein, the term “mode change input” is any input that changesthe character input portion 500 from the primary input mode to thesecondary input mode, or changes the character input portion 500 fromthe secondary input mode to the primary input mode. For example, themode change input may involve merely once activating the thirdmode-altering key 510; the mode change input may involve twiceactivating the third mode-altering key 510; or the mode change input mayinvolve activating any predetermined combination of keys, which may ormay not include the third mode-altering key 510. In either event, theuser provides the mode change input to selectively switch between theprimary input mode to the secondary input mode.

Once the mode change input is provided, the character input keys 504located outside of the area 544 are disabled. Accordingly, if the useractivates the Q key 504, for example, no input will be provided. Ingeneral, only the character input keys 504 located outside of the area544 are disabled, and input may still be entered by activating thebackspace key 512, the space key 514, the enter key 516, and the variousother non-character input keys located outside of the area 544. In someconfigurations of the present invention, however, all keys outside ofthe area 544 may be disabled.

When the character input portion 500 is in the secondary input mode, theuser may activate the various character input keys 504 that arepositioned within the area 544 to enter the characters identified by thesecondary character identifiers 542. In the primary input mode, eachcharacter is input through a single activation of the correspondingcharacter input key 504. In the secondary input mode, however, eachcharacter is input through one or multiple activations of thecorresponding character input key 504, as identified by the secondarycharacter identifiers 542.

The manner of entering characters in the second input mode will now bediscussed in relation to the Y key 504. The secondary characteridentifiers 542 positioned adjacent the Y key 504 include an “a”, “b”,and “c”, with “a” being in the first (left) position, “b” being in thesecond (middle) position, and “c” being in the third (right) position.This order determines the specific character that is entered followingeach activation of the Y key 504. In general, therefore, once activatingthe Y key 504 inputs the lowercase alphabetic character “a”, twiceactivating the Y key 504 inputs the lowercase alphabetic character “b”,and thrice activating the Y key 504 inputs the lowercase alphabeticcharacter “c”. Note that the B key 504 and the M key 504 each includefour characters in the secondary character identifiers 542. In order toenter the characters “s” and z respectively, the user will activate theB key 504 or the M key 504 four times.

Uppercase alphabetic characters may also be input in the secondary inputmode, by activating the T key 504 prior to activating the Y key 504.Accordingly, the uppercase alphabetic character “A” may be entered byfirst activating the T key 504 and then once activating the Y key 504.Similarly, the uppercase alphabetic character “B” may be entered byfirst activating the T key 504 and then twice activating the Y key 504,and the uppercase alphabetic character “C” may be entered by firstactivating the T key 504 and then thrice activating the Y key 504.Alternately, the T key 504 may have a different function, and theuppercase alphabetic characters may be entered by further activating thecharacter input keys 504. For example, the uppercase alphabeticcharacters “A”, “B”, and “C” may be entered by activating the Y key 504four, five, and six times, respectively. As a further alternative, thefirst mode-altering key 506 may be utilized in connection with thecharacter input keys 504 located within the area 544 to input uppercasealphabetic characters.

With reference to the principles outlined in the above discussion, themanner in which the user will input the word “dog” will be discussed.The secondary character identifiers 542 associated with the U key 504includes the character “d” in the first position. In order to enter thecharacter “d”, therefore, the user will once activate the D key 504. Thesecondary character identifiers 542 associated with the J key 504includes the character “o” in the third position. In order to enter thecharacter “o”, therefore, the user will thrice activate the J key 504.Similarly, the secondary character identifiers 542 associated with the Gkey 504 includes the character “g” in the first position. In order toenter the character “g”, therefore, the user will once activate the Gkey 504. In this manner, the user may input the series of charactersthat form the word “dog”.

Situations may arise wherein two consecutive characters that the userintends to input are associated with the same character input key 504.Assume, for example, that the user intends to enter the word “bat”.Inputting the character “b” requires two activations of the Y key 504,and inputting the character “a” requires one activation of the Y key504. The individual will, therefore, activate the Y key 504 three times.At this point, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that threeactivations of the Y key 504 generally inputs the character “c”, ratherthan the pair of characters “b” and “a”. In general, if the user pausesa predetermined period of time following an activation of a characterinput key 504, then a character will be input and the same characterinput key 504 may be utilized to input another character. Accordingly,twice activating the Y key 504 and pausing for a predetermined period oftime will input the character “b”, and then once activating the Y key504 will input the character “a”. In this manner two consecutivecharacters that are associated with the same character input key 504 maybe input. The length of the predetermined period of time may vary withinthe scope of the present invention, and may be set to 500 milliseconds,for example.

The character input keys 504 within the area 544 may be utilized toinput a variety of characters, in addition to the characters associatedwith the various secondary character identifiers 542. For example,activating the Y key 504 four times may input the numeric character “1”,and activating the U key 504 four times may input the numeric character“2”. Alternately, further activations of the various character inputkeys 504 within the area 544 may input punctuation marks, varioussymbols, or other characters.

In the primary input mode the various character input keys 504 areassociated with at most one alphabetic character. Although the variouscharacter input keys 504 may be utilized to enter both lowercase anduppercase alphabetic characters, only a single alphabetic character isassigned to each of the character input keys 504. Accordingly, theprimary input mode may be considered to be a single alphabetic characterinput mode. In the secondary input mode, however, the various characterinput keys 504 are associated with multiple alphabetic characters.Accordingly, the primary input mode may be considered to be a multiplealphabetic character input mode.

With reference to FIG. 7, a flow diagram illustrating the generalprocess of inputting characters is provided. Initially, the characterinput portion 500 is set to the primary input mode (step 601). In theprimary input mode, all of the character input keys 504 are active andmay be activated by the user (step 602). At this stage, the user may optto input characters in either the primary input mode or the secondaryinput mode. If no mode change input is received (step 603), then anactivation signal is received from any of the character input keys (step604) and a corresponding character is input (step 605). Steps 604 and605 may repeat indefinitely until the user opts to provide mode changeinput.

In step 603 the user may have provided mode change input. As discussedabove, mode change input may be provided by activating the thirdmode-altering key 510, for example. When the mode change input isreceived, the character input portion 500 is set to the secondary inputmode (step 606). In the secondary input mode, a portion of the characterinput keys 504 are deactivated (step 607). Accordingly, the variouscharacter input keys 504 positioned outside of the area 544 aredeactivated. One or more activation signals are then received from oneof the active character input keys 504 (step 608). As discussed above,for example, once activating the Y key 504 inputs the lowercasealphabetic character “a”, twice activating the Y key 504 inputs thelowercase alphabetic character “b”, and thrice activating the Y key 504inputs the lowercase alphabetic character “c”. Accordingly, one or moreactivation signals may be received from the active character input keys504. The number of activation signals received are then counted (step609) and a corresponding character is input (step 610).

Following the input of a corresponding character in step 610, modechange input may or may not be received (step 611). If mode change inputis not received, then steps 608, 609, and 610 will proceed again. If,however, mode change input is received, then the character input portion500 is set to the primary input mode.

Based upon the above discussion, the character input portion 500 may beutilized in the primary input mode or the secondary input mode to inputcharacters. In the primary input mode the user will once activate aspecific character input key 504 to input a corresponding character. Ifthe user twice activates the specific character input key 504, then twoof the corresponding characters will be activated. In the secondaryinput mode a portion of the character input keys 504 is deactivated,thereby leaving another portion of the character input keys 504 active.If the user once activates one of the active character input keys 504,then a first character is input. Similarly, two activations of one ofthe active character input keys 504 inputs a second character, threeactivations of one of the active character input keys 504 inputs a thirdcharacter, etc. The character input portion 500 provides, therefore, twodifferent input modes that the user may select.

Further Character Input Portion Configurations

The configuration of the character input portion 500 depicted in FIGS.4-6 provides one example of a suitable configuration for the presentinvention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, thata plurality of configurations may be utilized within the scope of thepresent invention. Referring to FIG. 8, a character input portion 500 ais depicted. Whereas the character input portion 500 included a singleprimary character identifier 540 for each character input key 504, thecharacter input portion 500a includes multiple primary characteridentifiers 540 for each character input key 504. For example, the Q key504 has primary character identifiers 540 that include a “Q” and a “1”that are positioned thereon. Similarly, the A key 504 has primarycharacter identifiers 540 that include an “A” and a “/” that arepositioned thereon, and the A key 504 has the primary characteridentifier 540 of“” positioned adjacently.

In order to enter the various characters identified by the primarycharacter identifiers 540, the mode-altering keys 506, 508, and 510 maybe employed. In general, the mode-altering keys 506, 508, and 510 may becolor-coded to correspond with the various primary character identifiers540. For example, the “shift” indicia on the first mode-altering key 506may have a black color that corresponds with the various alphabeticprimary character identifiers 540 located on many of the character inputkeys 504. The circular indicia on the second mode-altering key 508 mayhave a blue color that corresponds with the various primary characteridentifiers 540 on many of the character input keys 504 and rearward ofother primary character identifiers 540. Similarly, the thirdmode-altering key 510 may have a green color that corresponds with thevarious primary character identifiers 540 located on the housing 502 andadjacent to some of the character input keys 504. The black, blue, andgreen coloring of the mode-altering keys 506, 508, and 510, and theblack, blue, and green coloring of the primary character identifiers540, assist in alerting the user as to the relationships between themode-altering keys 506, 508, and 510 and the specific character thatwill be inputted upon activating one of the character input keys 504.

Whereas the third mode-altering key 510 was utilized in the characterinput portion 500 for switching between the primary input mode and thesecondary input mode, the third mode-altering key 510 may be utilized toinput the various characters associated with the primary characteridentifiers 540 positioned on the housing 502. In order to switchbetween the primary input mode and the secondary input mode, acombination of different keys may be activated. For example, activatingthe first mode-altering key 506, then the second mode-altering key 508,and then the third mode-altering key 510 may switch between the primaryinput mode and the secondary input mode. Furthermore, thrice activatingthe third mode-altering key 510 may be another method of switchingbetween the primary input mode and the secondary input mode.Alternately, the modifiable keys 524 may also be utilized for thispurpose. Accordingly, a plurality of methods may be utilized to providethe mode change input.

The area 544 is positioned in a generally central portion of thecharacter input portions 500 and 500 a. In this position, the area 544and the various character input keys 540 that are located within thearea 544 are accessible by both thumbs of the user. As an alternative,the area 544 may also be positioned adjacent the right edge 530 or theleft edge 532. Another character input portion 500b is depicted in FIG.9 and the area 544 is positioned adjacent the right edge 530, forexample. In this position, the first mode-altering key 506 and thesecond mode-altering key 508 are utilized for inputting text in thesecond mode.

The character input portions 500, 500 a, and 500 b include a single area544 that includes the various character input keys 504 that are utilizedfor inputting characters in the second input mode. Referring to FIG. 10,however, a character input portion 500 c has two areas 544 a and 544 bthat each includes the character input keys 504 that are utilized forinputting characters in the second input mode. The position of the area544 a is accessible by the left thumb of the user, and the position ofthe area 544 b is accessible by the right thumb of the user.

Based upon the above discussion, a character input portion fallingwithin the scope of the present invention may have a plurality ofdifferent configurations. For example, the different configurations mayinclude the specific characters that are associated with each of thecharacter input keys 504 and the positions of the area 544. In addition,the types of characters that are input in each of the primary input modeand the secondary input mode may vary significantly. In addition toalphabetic characters, the primary input mode and second input mode maybe utilized to enter numeric characters, various symbols, or the variouscharacters utilized in Asian languages, for example.

As the user inputs characters to form words, the character input portion500 of the game console 102 may attempt to predict the word that theuser intends to input. For example, the user may attempt to inputcharacters that form the word “device”. Following the inputcorresponding with “dev”, a remainder of the word “develop” may appearon a display device. As the word “develop” is not the intended input,the user may continue inputting characters. Following the inputcorresponding with “devi”, a remainder of the word “device” may appearon a display device and the user may activate the enter key 516 to enterthe remainder of the word. Accordingly, the input by the user may bepredicted to assist in character input.

Various visual queues may be utilized to provide the user with anindication of the mode that the character input portion 500, or thecharacter input portions 500 a, 500 b, and 500 c, are in. For example,the character input portion 500 may include an indicator 546 locatedadjacent to front edge 528. The indicator 546 may be a light emittingdiode that emits light when the character input portion 500 is in thesecondary input mode. Alternately, each of the character input keys 504may be backlit in the primary input mode, but only the character inputkeys 504 within the area 544 may be backlit in the secondary mode. Thatis, a contrast in illumination between the active and disabled characterinput keys 504 may be utilized.

Many individuals are familiar with the type of character input that isutilized in connection with a conventional keyboard, which is generallyconsistent with the single character input mode. Similarly, manyindividuals are also familiar with the type of character input that isutilized in connection with a conventional cellular telephone, which isgenerally consistent with the multiple character input mode. The presentinvention provides an input device permits the user to selectivelyoperate under the single character input mode or the multiple characterinput mode. That is, the user may select to utilize either the singlecharacter input mode or the multiple character input mode, dependingupon the preferences of the user.

The character input portion 500 and the operation of the character inputportion 500 is disclosed with reference to gaming system 100. Thepresent invention, however, has application to a wide variety ofproducts where character input is utilized. For example, many portableelectronic mail devices incorporate a keypad having individual keys foreach alphabetic character. The present invention may be applied to sucha portable electronic mail device to provide the user with the abilityto select the single alphabetic character input mode or the multiplealphabetic character input mode. Conventional keyboards for personalcomputers may also benefit from the present invention. Accordingly, thepresent invention may be applied to a plurality of products, includingpersonal computer systems and hand-held electronic devices, such aspersonal data assistants, for example, in addition to the specificapplications related to gaming systems disclosed herein.

The present invention is disclosed above and in the accompanyingdrawings with reference to a variety of embodiments. The purpose servedby the disclosure, however, is to provide an example of the variousfeatures and concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scopeof the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize thatnumerous variations and modifications may be made to the embodimentsdescribed above without departing from the scope of the presentinvention, as defined by the appended claims.

1. A method of character input for a computing system with an inputdevice having a game controller portion and character entry portion thatincludes a plurality of character keys, the method of character inputcomprising steps of: utilizing at least 26 character keys under a singlealphabetic character input mode with each of the 26 character keys beingassociated with a predetermined single letter; and utilizing a subset ofthe character keys under a multiple alphabetic character input mode witheach of the keys in the subset being associated with multiple letters.2. The method recited in claim 1, further comprising a step ofactivating a key to change the operability of the character keys betweenthe input modes.
 3. The method recited in claim 1, further comprising astep of disabling character keys not within the subset.
 4. The methodrecited in claim 3, wherein the utilizing a subset step includesutilizing a subset between exactly 9-12 character keys, and thedisabling step includes disabling the other of the 26 character keys notwithin the subset.
 5. The method recited in claim 1, wherein theutilizing a subset step includes activating character keys in the subsetof character keys under an ambiguous key entry system such that theactivation of a character key in the subset initially enters a selectedone of multiple possible letters.
 6. The method recited in claim 5,further comprising a step of utilizing a disambiguating routine toassociate each character key with only one of the multiple possibleletters.
 7. The method recited in claim 1, wherein the utilizing asubset step includes activating each of the subset of character keys apredetermined number of times to provide an input of a selected one ofthe respective multiple letters associated with the keys.
 8. The methodrecited in claim 1, further comprising a step of providing a contrast inillumination between the character keys within the subset and thecharacter keys not within the subset when in the multiple alphabeticcharacter input mode.
 9. The method recited in claim 1, furthercomprising a step of separating the game controller portion and thecharacter entry portion.
 10. A method of character input for a computingsystem with an input device having a game controller portion andcharacter entry portion that includes a plurality of character keys, themethod of character input comprising steps of: utilizing at least 26character keys under a first key entry mode, wherein each of the 26character keys are associated with a single alphabetic character;changing the key entry mode from the first key entry mode to a secondkey entry mode; utilizing a subset of the 26 character keys under thesecond key entry mode, wherein each of the character keys in the subsetare associated with multiple alphabetic characters; and disabling the atleast 26 character keys not within the subset in response to thechanging step.
 11. The method recited in claim 10, wherein the changingthe key entry mode step includes activating a key to change from thefirst key entry mode to the second key entry mod.
 12. The method recitedin claim 10, further comprising a step of disabling character keys notwithin the subset.
 13. The method recited in claim 10, wherein theutilizing a subset step includes utilizing a subset between exactly 9-12character keys, and the disabling step includes disabling the other ofthe 26 character keys not within the subset.
 14. The method recited inclaim 10, wherein the utilizing a subset step includes activatingcharacter keys in the subset of character keys under an ambiguous keyentry system such that the activation of a character key in the subsetinitially enters a selected one of multiple possible letters.
 15. Themethod recited in claim 14, further comprising a step of utilizing adisambiguating routine to associate each character key with only one ofthe multiple possible letters.
 16. The method recited in claim 10,further comprising a step of separating the game controller portion andthe character entry portion.
 17. A method of character input for acomputing system with an input device having a game controller portionand character entry portion that includes a plurality of input keys, themethod of character input comprising steps of: receiving a first inputsignal from a first input key of the character entry portion; inputtinga first alphabetic character in response to the first input signal;receiving a second input signal from a second input key of the characterentry portion; inputting a second alphabetic character in response tothe second input signal; receiving a mode change input signal from thecharacter entry portion; receiving the first input signal and the secondinput signal from a third input key of the character entry portion; andinputting the first alphabetic character and the second alphabeticcharacter in response to the first input signal and the second inputsignal from the third input key.
 18. The method recited in claim 17,wherein the step of receiving the mode change input signal includesdeactivating at least one of the first input key and the second inputkey.
 19. The method recited in claim 17, wherein the step of inputtingthe first alphabetic character and the second alphabetic characterincludes waiting a predetermined period of time between receipt of thefirst input signal and the second input signal.